Parallels Between the Conflicts of J.D. Salinger and Holden Caulfield from Catcher and the Rye

Even Though he can't make that connection with his parents throughout the book he presents us with other outlets like Jane Gallagher as way for Holden to have someone to talk to saying“Jane Gallagher. Jesus” I couldn't get her off my mind I really couldn’t. “I oughta go down and say hello to her, at least.” When this opportunity is presented for Holden to have a connection with a childhood friend when asked “Why the hell don’tcha, instead of keep saying it?”..he replies.”I’m not in the mood right now.”(37)) this perfectly showing how not only does not have opportunities to connect with someone but in the case of Jane Gallagher he refuses to connect with someone. And as critic Mollie Sandock perfectly states in The Catcher in the Rye: Overview Holden's story is “ full of failed attempts to communicate, messages never delivered, uncompleted phone calls, overtures not taken up, appeals repulsed,” this much leading him into the isolated lonely child or teenager (it depends which way you look at it ) that he is.

This novel supports the beliefs of Reiff, Bloom, and Pinsker that Holden Caulfield, although it may not seem, is overall a good person. Throughout this novel, the reader indirectly discovers more about Holden. Between his vague thoughts and discussions with other characters, it becomes apparent who Holden truly is. For example, on the train to New York, Holden has an encounter with the mother of Ernest Morrow, a student from Holden’s school, Pencey Prep. Mrs. Morrow praises her son and calls him sensitive while Holden thinks that, “Morrow was about as sensitive as a goddam toilet seat” (Salinger 55). Although Holden disagrees, he exaggerates and tells Mrs. Morrow how great her son is. Holden tries to make Mrs. Morrow delighted and proud by speaking highly of her son, although it may not be true. He can not bring himself to tell her the truth and shatter her perception of her son. The reason behind these lies is to keep Mrs. Morrow from becoming hurt or disappointed, supporting Pinsker’s belief. Even with a stranger that Holden barely knew, he is attentive and does anything to keep he or she happy. Additionally, when Holden and his friend, Mal, are going out for the night, Holden invites Ackley to come along with them. Although Mal is reluctant, Holden eventually convinces him to let Ackley accompany them. Holden finds Ackley annoying and

However, having sex is something that is considered adultlike which takes Holden one step closer to becoming independent, but he backs out and goes back to his juvenile ways. To build upon this idea, Holden also shows a glimpse of the path of helplessness when he replies “no” to retain his innocence and avoids his existential anxiety. Furthermore, Holden starts daydreaming and thinking about his idealized future. He thinks, “I got excited as hell thinking about it. I really did. I knew the part about pretending I was a deaf-mute really decided to go out West and all” (Salinger, 199). As seen before, Holden is running away from his problems like a child and displays symptoms of helplessness because of his existential anxiety. Instead of facing the problem head on, Holden acts as if he is unable to cope with reality and live up to his ideal self. Ultimately, Holden shows childish impulses and immaturity, which sets him on the path of self hate.

Purity and the Loss of Innocence in The Catcher in the Rye The conflict that surrounds the narrative of The Catcher in the Rye is between ignorance and experience. Holden Caulfield’s innocence is taken from him at a very young age, so he fixates on preserving the innocence of others to fill the empty space within himself. However, as stated by English poet John Milton, “Innocence, once lost, can never be regained. Darkness, once gazed upon, can never be lost” (“John Milton”).

In “A Catcher In The Rye”, a novel by J.D. Salinger, Salinger did nothing if not perfectly capture the school life of a young man identified as Holden Caulfield. Throughout the novel, Holden struggles with life decisions, as well as his past. His peers are little to no help, while Holden becomes further entrenched in his own downward spiral.

In The Catcher in the Rye Holden’s journey into adulthood is impacted by his surroundings and actions. Throughout history, authors have tried to convey the emotions felt by those growing up into adulthood from adolescence. is a book that has been taught in many schools and read by kids and adults of all ages, but more importantly, it helps teach a lesson about growing up as the reader can oftentimes connect with the main character Holden Caulfield. In The Catcher in the Rye, J.D. Salinger communicates the conflicting emotions present during the journey into adulthood, reflected by Holden’s cynical attitude towards the adult world and his idealistic perspective of the innocence of youth.

.D Salinger’s novel The Catcher in the Rye captures the coming of age of the cynical – and deeply troubled – teenager Holden Caulfield; utilizing Holden’s unreliable narrative, Salinger depicts Holden’s struggles, disgust, and utter disdain for society and those around him. Categorizing virtually everyone, and everything, as “phony”, Holden bitterly disengages himself from those around him and constantly criticizes the superficiality of the world. While Holden seemingly enjoys his behavior and derives pleasure from belittling others, it becomes apparent that he cannot fit in with society and lives in a constant state of fear. Due to a myriad of traumatic events and horrible experiences, Holden lives in constant state of misery and frequently contemplates suicide; unable to connect with those

The maturing of oneself is not only a journey of self discovery, but a process of the mind. In the Catcher in the Rye, written by J.D. Salinger we follow a teenager who’s ups and downs fill the plot of the book. The teenager, Holden Caulfield, shows the reader what it can be like when going through many tragedies as a young adult. The book is followed by a set of many questions. Throughout the book you find the answer to these question and why Holden becomes what he becomes.

Jerome David “J.D” Salinger’s masterpiece, The Catcher in the Rye, is a world to the disillusioned protagonist Holden Caulfield. The story follows Holden Caulfield following his eviction from his private school, Holden leaves school two days early to travel New York before returning home. He interconnected with many different folks along the way and fascinatingly, the character of Holden Caulfield holds a remarkable similarity to J.D Salinger himself. The Cather in the Rye was based on J.D Salinger’s life, the world in which he lived, and the world in general has influenced the production of the novel. They both have a comparable childhood to each other and

Catcher in the Rye is one of the most famous books in American literature. Written by J. D. Salinger, it captures the epitome of adolescence through Salinger’s infamous anti-hero, Holden Caulfield. Holden Caulfield learns about himself and his negative tendencies, and realizes that if he does not do something to change his perspective, he may end up like his acquaintance James Castle whom he met at Elkton Hills. Holden tries to find help to mend his outlook on life through Mr. Antolini so he does not end up like James, who did not want to face the problems he created for himself. This is proven by the similarities between James Castle and Holden, Mr. Antolini’s willingness to try and help Holden, and Holden’s future being forecasted by

Holden knows that these children are unaware of the stress and difficulties that come along with adulthood, and believes that they should be saved from these things. Holden’s fear of growing up is shown even here, as he stands right on the edge of the cliff saving these children, but is unwilling to fall off the cliff and enter adulthood himself. This, being one of the most important and memorable quotes of the book, is perhaps the most significant evidence of the fact that the title of the book explores the theme of innocence preservation. Therefore, Holden’s affection for the innocence and purity of children undoubtedly has a connection to his reluctance to grow up, and to his desire to become a “catcher in the rye”. Moreover, his attitude towards change is also a large factor in his attempts to resist maturity.

With self protection as the main goal, Holden is seen removing himself from adulthood when he constantly regresses back to a childlike state of mind and and when he uses his cynicism and bitterness to alienate himself from the possible complexities of relationships. For example, Holden uses his method of isolation when he attempts to seek intimacy and connections with others. At the beginning of his trip, Holden explains, "The first thing I did when I got off at Penn Station, I went into this phone booth. I felt like giving somebody a buzz. I left my bags right outside the booth so that I could watch them, but as soon as I was inside, I couldn't think of anybody to call up" (Salinger 54). Despite being able to call anyone he pleases, he chooses to alienate himself instead. To grow up is to connect with others in an intimate level; however, Holden is scared of possible rejection or complications from a relationship. Relationships are opportunities for Holden to break out and be part of society. However, they also represent what he fears most about the adult world: change, unpredictability, and complexity. He can not form connections because he is unable to accept the intricacy of other human beings and the phoniness they embody. Therefore, he isolates himself when he avoids relationships and growing up. Not only does

American literature is an art that transcends generations. The messages of literature ring through to people of all ages, which is especially true in the case of The Catcher in the Rye. From the perspective of a teenage boy, Holden Caulfield, The Catcher in the Rye tells a compelling story of overcoming loss and carrying on with life. In this novel, J.D. Salinger uses Holden’s friends, Holden’s loss, and Holden’s perspective on life to analyze how a person becomes truly lonely and depressed.

Holden, the teenage protagonist of the novel, experiences an ongoing battle with the adult world and the cruelty associated with it. Holden respects those who represent or protect innocence, and is

Holden is lonely in part because he cannot connect to his peers. Most things and people that he sees he describes as being "phony", which could lead to his lack of social interest. When his sister, Phoebe, asks him